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Kaye-Ailsa Rowan, M.A., LMFT

AAMFT Approved Supervisor

California License LMFT 47779

About (K'Ailsa) Kaye-Ailsa Rowan, M.A., LMFT

I'm K'Ailsa Rowan (to say my name, think of "kind Elsa" or "kelsa"). I provide psychotherapy for families and also for individual adults, teens, and children. I work with people as young as age 4 or as old as you are. I help people of all ages and sizes, genders, and orientations; from many races, ethnic groups, and economic classes; and holding widely varying religious beliefs (or none).

How I Work

My special therapeutic focus is helping people who are rebuilding their sense of self or their family relationships after disorienting experiences. Examples include families and individuals who are recovering from trauma or grief, divorcing families, immigrants, military families and returning veterans, and foster families. I also specialize in work with members of the LGBTIQQ community. I also work with people who are living with chronic illnesses such as auto-immune disorders or mood disorders.

I believe that everyone and every family has some areas of strength in their life. These might be found in religious beliefs, family, culture, or self. These resources can help people deal with problems. I also believe that being centered around their own values can help people get back on track after big changes. Because I often work with people who are going through a period of big changes or recovery, I help my clients meet their own goals by helping them identify their sources of strength. Once someone knows these strengths, we can draw on them to help them recover from whatever brought them into therapy. This means people can live a life that reflects their own values and move freely towards their life goals. In other words:

Wherever you come from, my job is to help you find the strengths you already have—or build new ones—so you can get where you're going.

Getting Started in Therapy

You may have some questions about therapy. Also, research shows that a good "fit" with your therapist is extremely important for therapy to succeed. That's why I offer a free telephone consultation. While we talk, you can learn a little about how I work, and I can learn a little about you or your family, So call me today at 408-390-3680 for your free consultation or to make an appointment!

My Background

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (License MFC 47779) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I have been working with therapy clients since 2005.

I hold a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now renamed Sofia University).

I opened Counseling for ACTion in 2009 with the goal to provide both family and individual psychotherapy to a wide range of people who sit in multiple cultures. Counseling
for Action has also provided counseling in schools by independent
contract with a school or school district. In 2010-2011 and 2012-2013,
we provided services at Santee School in San Jose.

Since 2010, I have been teaching at The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, and in April 2015 I was appointed Chair of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program. I stepped down as Chair in December 2016. Courses I have taught at ITP/Sofia include Systems Theory (family therapy), Child/Adolescent Therapy, Multicultural Counseling Skills, Law and Ethics, Counseling Principles and Practices, Advanced Theories and Skills, Creative Expression with Children and Adolescents, and Clinical Practicum. I also provided consultation about instructional design for online courses to other instructors.

I hold a B.A. in English from Texas A&M University and have over 20 years of experience as a writer, technical trainer, and project lead in the software industry. (If you're curious, check out my LinkedIn profile.) My past experiences in writing, teaching, and user interface design strongly influence my instructional design and teaching style. My previous work with diverse, multinational teams influences my work in therapy and my interest in diversity, too.

I am a qualified Clinical Supervisor and hold the AAMFT Supervisor Credential from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT).

I
am particularly interested in the interwoven influences of
socioeconomic, cultural, spiritual, and family systems on each person or
family. The diversity of professional memberships I maintain is a
reflection of the diverse groups of people I help. It also indicates my
commitment to maintain good professional relationships and keep current
about developments in the therapy field.